Expansible cap



(Mode1.) R.- P. WATSON 85 A. G. LUYOKX.

EXPANSIBLE GAP.

Patented Oct. 5, 18971 l I I m: Noam PETERS co, PNOTOJJTHQ, wAsumnToN. o L

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

RICHARD P. WATSON AND ALBERT O. LUYCKX, OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN.

EXPANSIBLE CAP.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 591,311, dated October 5, 1897.

Application filed June '7, 1897. Serial No. 639,740. (ModelJ To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that we, RICHARD P. WATSON and ALBERT O. LUYOKX,citizens of the United States, residing at Detroit, in the county of WVayne and State of Michigan, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Expansible Caps, which improvement is fully set forth in the following specification and accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a side elevation of a cap, partly in section, provided with our improved expansible top; Fig. 2, a top or plan View; Fig. 3, a View of the cap in ordinary form, and Fig. 4 a view showing the expanded top in operative position.

The object of our invention is to provide a novel, useful, and inexpensive device ,consisting of a cap or hat of the usual pattern, supplemented by an adjustable top or cover which may be easily expanded in the form of an umbrella, thereby effectually protecting the wearer from sunshine or rain.

The peculiar merit and advantages of the invention will be understood by referring to the accompanying drawings, in which A represents the rim of a cap provided with a front piece 2 of the usual form. The crown consists of a circular skeleton frame, slightly elevated in the center and made of light wires, comprising an outer ring 3 and a concentric inner ring 4, united at intervals by radial arms 5, the inner ends of which are permanently secured in the hollow shank of a central button 6. The said radial arms are also intermediately connected and braced by a wire 7. A series of V-shaped wires 8 have their terminals hinged on the inner ring 4 and are provided with outwardly-bearing coiled springs 9, the purpose of which will hereinafter appear. When the crown of the cap is in normal position, the apex of each V-section is removably secured under the flange of the central button. A circular piece of suitable waterproof fabric 10 is fitted to cover the extended area bounded by the V-sections when in extended position and is stitched to the skeleton frame and also to the apex of each V-section. It will be observed that when these sections are turned back and their ends secured under the central button the fabric is closely folded and overlaid by a removable cap-cover 11, made in the form of a tam-oshanter, having the inner border provided with an elastic band or cord, so that it may be easily drawn over the crown, forming a cap of a familiar style, as shown in Fig. 3. When desired, this cover is removed and the V-sections released from the button. The springs being then free to act will unfold the expansible cover and the cap will assume the form shown in Fig. 4.

What we claim as new is In an expansible cap or hat the herein-described wire crown comprising an outer circle 3 and an inner concentric circle 4, united at intervals by radial arms intermediately strengthened by a circular brace 7 and having their inner ends permanently secured in the hollow shank of a central button 6; the vertically-swinging V-shaped Wires having their free ends hinged on the inner wire circle 4 and their apexes adjustably secured under the flange of the said central button;

the coiled springs adapted to actuate the V- 'as herein shown and described.

In testimony that we claim the foregoing we have hereunto set our hands, this 17th day of May, 1897, in the presence of witnesses.

RICHARD P. WATSON. ALBERT O. LUYOKX.

Witnesses:

H. M. MCCORMICK, J NO. 0. 'loBIAs. 

